Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
166. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what changes have been made to the eligibility criteria for the SEAI warmer homes scheme on foot of the issuance of the energy efficiency guidance to support upgrading of older traditional buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6203/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. The eligibility criteria for the Scheme are linked to certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) payments with those in the least efficient homes prioritised.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Scheme. The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, SEAI’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:
• Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
• Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
• Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements where the wall is being insulated
The SEAI advise that it does not exclude pre-1940 homes from applying to any of its grant supported schemes. However, all of the SEAI approaches are determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 Code of Practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings. This means that wall insulation is not recommended on dwellings built before 1940 which are constructed in stone, single-leaf masonry or composite wall construction. That being said, all eligible homes are assessed and where they comprise stone, SEAI will not insulate the stone walls, but will assess, for example, a post-1940 extension present, which based on the determination of the Surveyor may be deemed appropriate for insulation.
The rationale for this approach is that stone-built (traditional built) structures were designed to be vapour permeable. Therefore, the materials and techniques used in energy efficiency upgrades of such buildings must be suitable for the buildings in question including for use with vapour permeable construction where applicable. For example, a stone wall with lime-based mortar will need a lime-based plaster render to remain vapour permeable. Otherwise vapour becomes trapped leading to problems which can cause harm to the building and its occupants.
To support the appropriate upgrading of traditional buildings, the new technical Guidance Document - “ Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings” was published recently by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage. This guidance will be an important resource to SEAI as well as the retrofit and wider construction industry in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrading of older, traditionally-built buildings while ensuring compliance with the appropriate building regulations.
